Roadshows for the forthcoming China International Import Expo in Shanghai commenced in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on June 29 and 30, with the organizers hopeful of increased domestic participation at this year's prestigious trade event.

Sun Chenghai, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau, said that preparations for the third edition of the event are progressing steadily and the focus for this year is more on attracting buyers than exhibitors.

According to Sun, despite the impact of the coronavirus, more than 90 percent of the exhibition area has been signed up, which consists of six sections, including trade in services, consumer goods, and medical equipment.

The opening ceremony of the roadshow, which was held by the CIIE Bureau, the Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce and the government of Chengdu, featured a CIIE-themed light show in which 22 landmarks of Chengdu were illuminated.

"Chengdu is a metropolis with great potential for imports," Sun said. "The decision to start the nationwide roadshows in Chengdu, Sichuan, demonstrates the joint efforts to alleviate poverty as Sichuan is the 'in-touch' area of the Ministry of Commerce that is part of China's targeted poverty alleviation program."

The roadshows will also help serve the high-level opening-up and high-quality development of Sichuan, Sun said.

Exhibitors in the expo's agriculture and automobile sections gave a thorough introduction of their products to the offline and online audiences. The roadshow was also aired to trade missions in Deyang, Mianyang, Nanchong, and Yibin.

Liu Xin, director of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce, said the expo is a great opportunity for the province to expand its consumption and to open up its market to the world.

According to the Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce, more than 6,000 companies and 14,000 people from the province have participated in the previous expos.

Liu Xiaoliu, vice-mayor of Chengdu, said the city is boosting its purchase of global products and imports.

Ge Chunyao, president of Bank of China's Sichuan branch, said the bank will provide financing for buyers, including comprehensive cross-border financing plans.

The next stop for the roadshow will be Changsha, Hunan province, after which it will move on to Shangrao, Jiangxi province.

During the second edition of the CIIE, 21 roadshows aimed at recruiting buyers were held in 20 provinces and municipalities. The third CIIE will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from Nov 5 to Nov 10.